2026 BOD Candidates
2026 IVPA Board Election Events
Voting instructions and the 2026 ballot will be emailed on June 1.
- Send Elections Ballot: June 1, 2026
- Election Ballots Close: June 30, 2026
- Announce to the Members: July 1, 2026
- New Board Joins at the July Board Meeting: July 8, 2026
- IVPA Members Annual Meeting: August 19, 2026
Ready to Vote?
IVPA members may now cast their vote for the 2026 Board of Directors elections.
Arnold Goldman,
DVM, MPH, MS
Candidate for President
Dr. Arnold L. Goldman of Canton, Connecticut, is a 1986 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a practice owner and clinician at Canton Animal Hospital and also serves as a consulting veterinarian for a guide dog foundation, while remaining actively engaged in organizational leadership.
Dr. Goldman has been involved in organized veterinary medicine for over 25 years and continues to dedicate his efforts to advancing the profession and supporting independent veterinary practices.
Dr. Goldman is seeking a second two-year term as the IVPA’s President. His goals include continued growth of the IVPA membership to a level that supports inclusion in the AVMA House of Delegates as a Constituent Allied Veterinary Organization. In doing so, he aims to ensure that the IVPA is acknowledged as the single most respected voice for the independent veterinarian, whether employee or employer.
He will also continue to promote IVPA Board of Directors effectiveness and cohesiveness, and work to broaden the IVPA’s professional benefits so that the Association can continue to attract and retain its members.
Michael Fugaro,
VMD, DACVS
Candidate for Treasurer
Dr. Michael N. Fugaro is a 1997 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He is the owner of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, an equine ambulatory practice comprised of three veterinarians, and remains actively involved in the day-to-day operations of his practice.
Dr. Fugaro brings a strong background in leadership, education, and organized veterinary medicine. He served as a college professor for 10 years at Centenary University, where he became a tenured full professor and held multiple leadership roles. He has been an active member of AAEP, AVMA, NJAEP, and PVMA, is a past president (two terms) of NJAEP, and currently serves on its Board. He has also contributed to advisory boards for Rutgers University’s Equine Science Center and the Hunterdon Polytechnical Institute.
Dr. Fugaro owns an equine ambulatory practice and, like many small business owners in veterinary medicine, faces ongoing competition from corporate entities. He is committed to maintaining his practice in the independent space and encourages the next generation of veterinarians, including his associates, to consider practice ownership.
Dr. Fugaro’s contribution to IVPA is his experience. He looks forward to serving on the Board by advocating for the profession and bringing energy to support its mission.
Mark Helfat,
DVM
Candidate for Secretary
Dr. Mark Helfat is a 1977 graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is now retired, having spent his career in companion animal practice and owning two independent veterinary practices.
Throughout his career, Dr. Helfat remained committed to independent practice and understands the value and challenges of privately owned veterinary medicine. His experience as a long-time practice owner provides him with a unique perspective on sustaining and supporting independent veterinary businesses.
Dr. Helfat believes that IVPA is the only association that represents and supports independent, privately owned veterinary practices. He hopes that his decades of experience owning and operating independent practices will benefit the Board of Directors and help support the continued growth and success of the Association.